Ibarra’s diving header from close range followed a fine push onto the post by Rapids goalkeeper Zac MacMath, from an Ibson volley. Johan Venegas reacted quickest, diverting his own diving header into the path of Ibarra, who gobbled up his first goal in MLS with 18 minutes remaining.

As the game wore on, Adrian Heath’s team found more space in the Rapids’ defensive third. MacMath had twice denied the Loons before being beaten by Ibarra, with the home side snatching back the initiative after the interval.

The Minnesota strike came just moments after the visitors had failed to convert their best chance of the game. Eric Miller’s pass along the six-yard line was met by Dominique Badji, only for the Senegalese player to slam his effort against the underside of the crossbar. A gaping opportunity went begging, and they were punished.

In the first half Colorado were the better side. They were positive in the opening 20 minutes, before balance was struck. During the hot spell, Marlon Hairston got too much on what appeared a goal-bound shot from Saeid, and pushed it away from the danger zone.

With few clear-cut chances presenting themselves, it was vital that the few that came along were taken. For the second weekend in a row, the Rapids will rue a failure to be clinical in front of goal.

The Rapids are back on the road again next Saturday, when they make a first-ever visit to Orlando City SC’s new stadium. Orlando are 5-1-0 for the season, and 4-0-0 at home. The Rapids at Orlando is live on UniMas (2:00 p.m. MT), as well as Altitude Sports Radio AM 950 and La Invasora 87.7FM.